No, you do not need to travel to Italy to complete the Italian citizenship by descent application, as the process can typically be handled through your local Italian consulate.
Applying for Italian citizenship by descent does not require applicants to go to Italy; instead, they can complete the application process from their home country. Below are the main points regarding travel and where to submit the application.
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Application Submission at Italian Consulates:
- Consulate Jurisdiction: Applicants must submit their application to the Italian consulate with jurisdiction over their place of residence, eliminating the need to travel to Italy.
- Appointment Scheduling: Due to high demand, it’s often necessary to book an appointment well in advance at the consulate, which will guide you through the submission process.
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Document Requirements and Processing:
- Document Submission from Abroad: All required documents, including birth, marriage, and death certificates, must be apostilled, translated into Italian, and submitted directly to the consulate.
- Consular Processing Times: The consulate handles the initial review and processing of documents, which may take several months to a few years, depending on demand.
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Option to Apply in Italy:
- Applying in Italy at a Comune: If an applicant is already in Italy, they may choose to submit the application at a local comune (municipality), though this is not necessary and may require establishing residency.
- In-Person Appointments Optional: For those who prefer, completing the process in Italy is an option but not a requirement for citizenship by descent.
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AIRE Registration After Approval:
- Registry of Italians Residing Abroad (AIRE): Once citizenship is granted, non-resident citizens should register with AIRE through their local consulate to maintain their official Italian status while living abroad.
Conclusion:
Traveling to Italy is not required to apply for Italian citizenship by descent. The entire process can be completed through your local Italian consulate, allowing applicants to obtain citizenship from their home country with minimal travel requirements.